Abstract
BackgroundCurrent research on treatment predictors and long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions for (unaccompanied) refugee minors is limited. This secondary analysis of a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT), evaluating the trauma-focused group intervention “Mein Weg” (English “My Way”) compared to usual care, investigated several refugee-specific factors such as treatment predictors and sustainability of treatment gains.MethodsIn total N = 50 participants (Mage = 17.00, 94% male) were included in this analysis. Evaluation of 3-month follow-up data included: posttraumatic stress symptoms [(PTSS) CATS-Self, CATS-Care], depression (PHQ-8), and dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions (CPTCI-S). Baseline symptom severity of the above-mentioned measures, trauma load and socio-demographic factors were investigated as the treatment predictors.ResultsIntention-to-treat-analyses (ITT) revealed the sustainability of treatment effects in self-reported PTSS (pre to post change: 6.48 ± 1.60, d = 0.62, p < 0.001; post to 3-month follow-up change: 1.41 ± 1.96, d = 0.11, p = 0.47) and depression (pre to post change: 7.82 ± 2.09, d = 0.64, p < 0.001; post to 3-month follow-up change: 1.35 ± 2.17, d = 0.05, p = 0.54). Country of origin alone was a significant predictor of the change in PTSS (b = − 8.22 ± 3.53, t(30) = − 2.33, p = 0.027), and baseline levels of depression were a significant predictor of the change in depression (b = 0.83 ± 0.19, t(33) = 4.46, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis group intervention can serve as a valuable component in a stepped care approach with promising long-term effects for young refugees.Trial registration DRKS, #DRKS00010915. Registered 15 September 2016, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010915
Highlights
IntroductionCurrent research on treatment predictors and long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions for (unaccompanied) refugee minors is limited
Current research on treatment predictors and long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions for refugee minors is limited
In research question 1, we aimed to identify, in an exploratory manner, the following possible predictors of a successful outcome of the intervention: Age, time spent in Germany, country of origin as indicator of differing escape routes (Middle East vs. African country), contact to family, trauma load, and baseline scores in posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions (PTCs)
Summary
Current research on treatment predictors and long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions for (unaccompanied) refugee minors is limited. This secondary analysis of a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT), evaluating the trauma-focused group intervention “Mein Weg” (English “My Way”) compared to usual care, investigated several refugee-specific factors such as treatment predictors and sustainability of treatment gains. The traumafocused group intervention “Mein Weg” (English: “My Way”) is such a psychosocial intervention, designed for UYRs and implemented by trained and supervised social workers in CAW programmes in Germany. A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT), comparing the intervention to usual care in CAW programmes with N = 99 UYRs, demonstrated its efficacy in decreasing PTSS and depression in this group [7]
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